BMW 9cento: A Concept Bike That Will Become Real

When BMW brings a concept to the Concorso d’Eleganza at the Villa d’Este in Lake Como, it is often in homage to the brand’s glorious past—like previous design studies alluding to the M1, the 2002 turbo, or the 3.0 CSL. None of them made it into series production. But with motorcycles, it has been different. This year, BMW’s only concept at Lake Como is a bike that’s bound for production: the 9cento, pronounced novecento, which means “900.”

It’s not hard to guess the displacement of this concept’s engine: around 900 cc, divided between two cylinders. We guess it makes at least 100 horsepower. If it were part of BMW’s current range, it would slot in neatly between the F 850 GS and the S 1000 XR, both categorized as “adventure” bikes by the German manufacturer.

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The 9cento concept is a genuine tourer with a tall windscreen, a “relatively low but upright seating position,” and an imaginative and highly practical storage system. There is a case that can be electromagnetically attached to the bike; when fitted, it lengthens the passenger seat. It also alters the bike’s look considerably, as it’s an integral part of the design when fitted. BMW says it allows the owner to have “two bikes in one.”

The front features high-output LED lights that are designed in a symmetrical fashion—not a given with a BMW motorbike. The daytime running light is supposed to give it a distinct BMW signature. The small LED taillights are nearly invisible when not in use.

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The BMW 9cento’s overall style is aggressively angular yet clean and somewhat spare. The attention to detail is impressive and exceeds the standards of most concept vehicles, including BMW’s own.

One of the many beautiful ideas of the 9cento is the sportswear that comes with it. There is a Sport jacket with exaggerated 3D-printed shoulder protectors, and a Touring jacket executed in soft, silverish leather.